Chelsea have completed the £7.5million signing of Emiliano Martinez from Aston Villa, giving Xabi Alonso an experienced new option at the heart of his goalkeeping overhaul.
The Argentina international has signed a three-year contract at Stamford Bridge after completing his medical in London.
Sky Sports reports Martinez arrives expecting to be a regular starter, while Chelsea have now officially unveiled the World Cup winner.
Emi Martinez. ⚽️🧤 pic.twitter.com/PRy1D26JAe
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 30, 2026
Emi Martinez completes Chelsea transfer
The move concludes a transfer which developed rapidly during the final week of the window.
ReadChelsea first reported that Chelsea had agreed a £7.5m deal with Aston Villa before Martinez travelled to London to complete his medical.
The 33-year-old has now put pen to paper and becomes the latest addition to Alonso’s squad.
Martinez told Chelsea he was delighted to make the move and described joining the club as an “easy decision”, adding that he wants to bring his winning mentality to Stamford Bridge.
The goalkeeper spent six seasons at Villa, making 256 appearances and helping them win the Europa League last season.
He also arrives with significant international pedigree after winning the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles with Argentina.
Martinez set to shake up Chelsea goalkeepers
Martinez’s arrival immediately changes Chelsea’s goalkeeper hierarchy.
The Guardian reports he is expected to displace Robert Sanchez as first choice, with Chelsea now pushing the Spaniard towards an exit before the transfer deadline.
ReadChelsea has already examined how Sanchez faces being frozen out following the Martinez move.
Mike Penders remains an important part of Chelsea’s long-term plans despite the arrival of another senior goalkeeper.
The Belgian kept a clean sheet against Luton on his competitive debut, but Martinez now provides the proven experience Chelsea wanted without requiring Penders to immediately carry the pressure of becoming undisputed No.1.
That balance was at the centre of ReadChelsea’s earlier look at the £17m Mike Penders dilemma created by Chelsea’s Martinez U-turn.
For Alonso, though, the immediate picture is much clearer.
Chelsea now have a World Cup-winning goalkeeper who arrives expecting to compete at the front of the queue.
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